“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of
the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:37-38(NRSV)

Thought:

Hope is that thing we look for as we gaze out the window, isn't it? Hope is that wishful dreaming or
thinking that might just become reality one day. Hope is Ryan, my 4 yr. old, banging on one of the presents under the Christmas
tree, saying, "I have a lunchbox." He can't see what is underneath the red wrapping paper from his Aunt, but from the sound it
makes when thumped, along with the shape of the box, a rectangle, he seems to know what he will have. Isn't this but a
snap-shot of what the hope of Christmas is all about? Isn't the Christ of Christmas about what we will have?

Hear the Good News, The Hope of Christmas is Jesus Christ. He is that wishful dreaming or thinking, made flesh. He is hope because
He points us to The Father. He is hope because He loves us. He not only came to save us, but He did, He does.

Christmas is more than just hoping for the lunch box of your dreams; it is about the beginning of a new type of life. Christmas is
about living a life that is congruent with God's wishes for our life, supplemented by grace, strengthen by love and guided by the one for
Whom "nothing is impossible".

The Hope is Christmas is upon you, He is upon me, the question is, what will you do? Will you mistake it for a lunchbox, or will
you see Him for Who He really is?

Prayer:

Gracious God, we live as hopeful people. We have hopes and dreams, but far too often they have little
to do with You. Allow us to experience the Hope of Christmas in Jesus Christ. Then, by Your grace, allow us to share this Hope
will all we meet. Thank You for all You have done and all You continue to do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.